The Book of Revelation: Chapter 1 (Part 1)
Scripture References:
Background and Introduction: A Message of Hope and Promise
When we think of this final book of the Bible, images of apocalyptic destruction and end-times prophecies often come to mind. However, I want to begin by addressing something important: this book has developed quite a reputation for being frightening or confusing, but Revelation is far more than a foreboding tale of doom. At its core, this book is a powerful message of hope and promise, centered on Jesus Christ and His ultimate victory. I promise you that by the time we finish our journey together, you will have joy in your hearts and smiles on your faces.
Understanding the Author and Setting
Our author is John the Apostle, writing at approximately ninety years of age. By this time, Paul and Peter had been dead for decades, leaving John as the last surviving apostle who had walked with Jesus. The Roman authorities had attempted to execute John by boiling him alive, but when this failed, they exiled him to Patmos, a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea measuring just ten miles long and six miles wide.
Picture John's daily reality: working in harsh rock quarries under constant guard, enduring physical hardship in his advanced years. Yet it was in this place of suffering that God chose to reveal the magnificent vision we are about to study together. Despite his circumstances, John's message brims with hope and anticipation as he writes to seven churches in Asia Minor, which corresponds to modern-day Turkey.
The True Meaning of "Revelation"
The word "Revelation" comes from the Greek "apokalypsis," from which we derive our English word "apocalypse." Hollywood has transformed this word into something terrifying, complete with dramatic sound effects, but the actual meaning is simply "unveiling" or "exposing what was hidden." God is pulling back the curtain to show us something that was previously concealed. Don't let dramatic interpretations scare you away from this book that is meant to be a source of encouragement for believers, not a cause for fear.
The Central Focus: Jesus Christ
As we embark on this study, remember that Revelation centers entirely on Jesus Christ from beginning to end. The opening verses set the tone: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." This isn't just another prophetic book; it's a direct message from Jesus Himself, passed down through a divine chain of communication from Jesus to an angel to John, and ultimately to reach us.
While we will encounter discussions of the rapture, the tribulation, Israel, the church, and the new heaven and earth, these are not the primary focus. The ultimate subject is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.
Consider our current situation: our world appears to be in tremendous disorder because everything is out of place. The King belongs on His throne, the bride belongs with her groom, and the criminal belongs in prison. When Jesus takes His rightful place on the throne, when the church is united with Christ, and when Satan receives his just punishment, we will finally understand how things are meant to be. Revelation unlocks the mystery of history itself.
The Beautiful Symmetry of Scripture
As we study Revelation, we discover God's overarching plan for history displayed through a beautiful symmetry from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis, God creates the heavens and earth, while in Revelation, He makes a new heaven and earth. In Genesis, darkness is called night, but in Revelation, there is no more night. In Genesis, Satan appears as a deceiver, while in Revelation, he disappears forever into the lake of fire. In Genesis, man's dominion is damaged, but in Revelation, our dominion is restored. This symmetry reminds us that God's plan has always been moving towards restoration and redemption.
Structure and Interpretation
The book divides into three main sections: the Church Age in chapters one through three, the period from the Rapture to the Second Coming in chapters four through nineteen, and the Millennium and beyond in chapters twenty through twenty-two.
Our interpretive approach will follow this principle: when the plain sense of the text makes common sense, we seek no other sense. We must remain comfortable with not understanding every detail immediately and focus on the obvious rather than the obscure, allowing the main themes of Revelation to shape our lives and perspectives. Additionally, expect some opposition as we study this book together, as Satan does not want us to understand these truths.
The Promise of Blessing
One of the most striking aspects of Revelation is its promise of blessing to those who read and hear its words. Verse three states, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, for the time is near." Revelation stands as the only book in Scripture that promises a specific blessing to those who read it. This should encourage us to approach Revelation with open hearts and minds, eager to glean its truths.
Understanding God's Timing and the Return of Christ
When we read that "the time is near," some may question this statement since Christians have been proclaiming Christ's return for two thousand years. However, this phrase indicates imminence rather than immediacy. Even in Peter's day, scoffers questioned whether Jesus would truly return. Peter explains that God's timetable differs from ours. While we may feel impatient, God demonstrates amazing patience, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This should motivate us to make the most of the time we have, sharing the hope of the gospel with as many people as possible.
Every believer should live in light of Christ's imminent return, maintaining readiness and expectation. One of the key themes in Revelation is the return of Christ, and it's crucial to distinguish between two separate events: the Rapture and the Second Coming.
The Distinction Between the Rapture and Second Coming
Verse seven provides a powerful description: "Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him."
Notice carefully the distinction between Christ's return for the church and His return to establish His earthly kingdom. The Rapture is described as believers being caught up "in the clouds" to meet the Lord in the air. At the rapture, believers will meet Jesus in the clouds. The Second Coming, on the other hand, is portrayed as Christ returning "with the clouds," accompanied by His saints. At the Second Coming, every eye will see Him coming with the clouds to judge the world and establish His reign from Jerusalem.
This distinction helps us understand the sequence of end-times events and reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's return for His church, which represents our "blessed hope."
The Contrast Between Christ's Two Advents
The difference between Christ's first and second coming provides a striking contrast that should fill us with anticipation. Adrian Rogers articulates it this way: He came the first time to a crucifixion; He returns to a coronation. He came initially in shame; He returns in splendor. He came first to a tree; He returns to a throne. He came first and stood before Pilate; when He returns, Pilate will stand before Him. He came first as a servant; He returns as a king.
Living with Hope and Purpose
While Revelation does speak of judgment and tribulation, its ultimate message is one of victory and hope. It assures us that no matter how dark things may seem, Jesus Christ will triumph in the end. Evil will be defeated, and God's kingdom will be established forever. In a world that often seems chaotic and hopeless, Revelation stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that history is not spiraling out of control but moving towards a glorious culmination in Christ.
This hope should motivate us in two significant ways. First, it should deepen our longing for Christ's return, cultivating the "blessed hope" in our daily lives with expectancy that Jesus could come at any moment. Second, it should spur us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, knowing the glorious future that awaits believers and the judgment that awaits those who reject Christ.
As we contemplate the truths of Revelation, we're reminded of the glorious future that awaits us in eternity. We'll receive new bodies, free from pain and decay. We'll be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us, known as we are known. Most importantly, we'll be in the presence of our Savior, experiencing a joy and fulfillment beyond our wildest imaginations.
Moving Forward Together
As we continue our study together in the coming weeks, keep these foundational truths in mind. We may not understand every symbol or prophecy, but we can grasp its central message: Jesus Christ is King, and He will return victorious. Let's not get so caught up in trying to decipher every detail that we miss the main themes.
Revelation reveals Jesus Christ in His full glory and majesty, and understanding this book will strengthen your faith and fill you with hope for the future He has prepared for us. As we await that day, let's live with expectancy, urgency, and joy, remaining faithful in sharing the gospel and making disciples. Until the clouds part and the trumpet sounds, may the words of Revelation inspire us, comfort us, and spur us on to love and good deeds.
All for Him,
Pastor Dustin
- Revelation 1:1-8 - The opening verses of Revelation
- John 14:2-3 - Jesus's promise to return
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The rapture described
- 2 Peter 3:4-9 - God's patience regarding His return
- Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man coming with clouds
- Matthew 24:30 - The sign of the Son of Man
- Matthew 26:64 - Jesus before the high priest
- Titus 2:13 - The blessed hope
- Revelation 22:20 - "Come, Lord Jesus!"
Background and Introduction: A Message of Hope and Promise
When we think of this final book of the Bible, images of apocalyptic destruction and end-times prophecies often come to mind. However, I want to begin by addressing something important: this book has developed quite a reputation for being frightening or confusing, but Revelation is far more than a foreboding tale of doom. At its core, this book is a powerful message of hope and promise, centered on Jesus Christ and His ultimate victory. I promise you that by the time we finish our journey together, you will have joy in your hearts and smiles on your faces.
Understanding the Author and Setting
Our author is John the Apostle, writing at approximately ninety years of age. By this time, Paul and Peter had been dead for decades, leaving John as the last surviving apostle who had walked with Jesus. The Roman authorities had attempted to execute John by boiling him alive, but when this failed, they exiled him to Patmos, a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea measuring just ten miles long and six miles wide.
Picture John's daily reality: working in harsh rock quarries under constant guard, enduring physical hardship in his advanced years. Yet it was in this place of suffering that God chose to reveal the magnificent vision we are about to study together. Despite his circumstances, John's message brims with hope and anticipation as he writes to seven churches in Asia Minor, which corresponds to modern-day Turkey.
The True Meaning of "Revelation"
The word "Revelation" comes from the Greek "apokalypsis," from which we derive our English word "apocalypse." Hollywood has transformed this word into something terrifying, complete with dramatic sound effects, but the actual meaning is simply "unveiling" or "exposing what was hidden." God is pulling back the curtain to show us something that was previously concealed. Don't let dramatic interpretations scare you away from this book that is meant to be a source of encouragement for believers, not a cause for fear.
The Central Focus: Jesus Christ
As we embark on this study, remember that Revelation centers entirely on Jesus Christ from beginning to end. The opening verses set the tone: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." This isn't just another prophetic book; it's a direct message from Jesus Himself, passed down through a divine chain of communication from Jesus to an angel to John, and ultimately to reach us.
While we will encounter discussions of the rapture, the tribulation, Israel, the church, and the new heaven and earth, these are not the primary focus. The ultimate subject is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.
Consider our current situation: our world appears to be in tremendous disorder because everything is out of place. The King belongs on His throne, the bride belongs with her groom, and the criminal belongs in prison. When Jesus takes His rightful place on the throne, when the church is united with Christ, and when Satan receives his just punishment, we will finally understand how things are meant to be. Revelation unlocks the mystery of history itself.
The Beautiful Symmetry of Scripture
As we study Revelation, we discover God's overarching plan for history displayed through a beautiful symmetry from Genesis to Revelation. In Genesis, God creates the heavens and earth, while in Revelation, He makes a new heaven and earth. In Genesis, darkness is called night, but in Revelation, there is no more night. In Genesis, Satan appears as a deceiver, while in Revelation, he disappears forever into the lake of fire. In Genesis, man's dominion is damaged, but in Revelation, our dominion is restored. This symmetry reminds us that God's plan has always been moving towards restoration and redemption.
Structure and Interpretation
The book divides into three main sections: the Church Age in chapters one through three, the period from the Rapture to the Second Coming in chapters four through nineteen, and the Millennium and beyond in chapters twenty through twenty-two.
Our interpretive approach will follow this principle: when the plain sense of the text makes common sense, we seek no other sense. We must remain comfortable with not understanding every detail immediately and focus on the obvious rather than the obscure, allowing the main themes of Revelation to shape our lives and perspectives. Additionally, expect some opposition as we study this book together, as Satan does not want us to understand these truths.
The Promise of Blessing
One of the most striking aspects of Revelation is its promise of blessing to those who read and hear its words. Verse three states, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, for the time is near." Revelation stands as the only book in Scripture that promises a specific blessing to those who read it. This should encourage us to approach Revelation with open hearts and minds, eager to glean its truths.
Understanding God's Timing and the Return of Christ
When we read that "the time is near," some may question this statement since Christians have been proclaiming Christ's return for two thousand years. However, this phrase indicates imminence rather than immediacy. Even in Peter's day, scoffers questioned whether Jesus would truly return. Peter explains that God's timetable differs from ours. While we may feel impatient, God demonstrates amazing patience, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This should motivate us to make the most of the time we have, sharing the hope of the gospel with as many people as possible.
Every believer should live in light of Christ's imminent return, maintaining readiness and expectation. One of the key themes in Revelation is the return of Christ, and it's crucial to distinguish between two separate events: the Rapture and the Second Coming.
The Distinction Between the Rapture and Second Coming
Verse seven provides a powerful description: "Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him."
Notice carefully the distinction between Christ's return for the church and His return to establish His earthly kingdom. The Rapture is described as believers being caught up "in the clouds" to meet the Lord in the air. At the rapture, believers will meet Jesus in the clouds. The Second Coming, on the other hand, is portrayed as Christ returning "with the clouds," accompanied by His saints. At the Second Coming, every eye will see Him coming with the clouds to judge the world and establish His reign from Jerusalem.
This distinction helps us understand the sequence of end-times events and reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's return for His church, which represents our "blessed hope."
The Contrast Between Christ's Two Advents
The difference between Christ's first and second coming provides a striking contrast that should fill us with anticipation. Adrian Rogers articulates it this way: He came the first time to a crucifixion; He returns to a coronation. He came initially in shame; He returns in splendor. He came first to a tree; He returns to a throne. He came first and stood before Pilate; when He returns, Pilate will stand before Him. He came first as a servant; He returns as a king.
Living with Hope and Purpose
While Revelation does speak of judgment and tribulation, its ultimate message is one of victory and hope. It assures us that no matter how dark things may seem, Jesus Christ will triumph in the end. Evil will be defeated, and God's kingdom will be established forever. In a world that often seems chaotic and hopeless, Revelation stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that history is not spiraling out of control but moving towards a glorious culmination in Christ.
This hope should motivate us in two significant ways. First, it should deepen our longing for Christ's return, cultivating the "blessed hope" in our daily lives with expectancy that Jesus could come at any moment. Second, it should spur us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, knowing the glorious future that awaits believers and the judgment that awaits those who reject Christ.
As we contemplate the truths of Revelation, we're reminded of the glorious future that awaits us in eternity. We'll receive new bodies, free from pain and decay. We'll be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us, known as we are known. Most importantly, we'll be in the presence of our Savior, experiencing a joy and fulfillment beyond our wildest imaginations.
Moving Forward Together
As we continue our study together in the coming weeks, keep these foundational truths in mind. We may not understand every symbol or prophecy, but we can grasp its central message: Jesus Christ is King, and He will return victorious. Let's not get so caught up in trying to decipher every detail that we miss the main themes.
Revelation reveals Jesus Christ in His full glory and majesty, and understanding this book will strengthen your faith and fill you with hope for the future He has prepared for us. As we await that day, let's live with expectancy, urgency, and joy, remaining faithful in sharing the gospel and making disciples. Until the clouds part and the trumpet sounds, may the words of Revelation inspire us, comfort us, and spur us on to love and good deeds.
All for Him,
Pastor Dustin
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